Audi’s next-gen infotainment system will be Android-based, to debut on new Q8?

We first heard of Audi’s new Android-based infotainment system when they presented the concept at a Google I/O developer conference, and the particular unit was seen featured on the Audi Q8 sport concept.

The new Android operating system (OS) will integrate new apps such as Spotify, Google Play Music, Google Maps and Google Assistant. Other Audi specific infotainment apps include Audi navigation, messaging and call functions, all of which are present on the show car.

With the seamless integration between the Android OS and Audi MMI system, Audi believes that through the broad Android Open Source Community, new applications can quickly find their way into the cars and offer greater functionality as well as connected services for the drivers. Of course, these applications are required to fulfil Google and Audi’s requirements.

Android is the world’s most popular mobile platform with more than 1.4 billion active users worldwide, which Audi believes can offer a significantly diverse range of services and connectivity to its customers. Volvo has also recently announced a partnership with Google to develop their next-generation infotainment system which will also be running on an Android platform.